Many people choose to pursue careers in the hospitality industry because they are passionate about serving other people and giving them memorable experiences. The primary goal for lodging professionals is making sure their guests have a comfortable and relaxing stay at their property. This involves adding high-quality bedding, amenities, food, and beverages. One of the best compliments a property owner can hear from a customer is that they enjoyed something in the property so much that they would like to have one for themselves. This could be sheets, towels, robes, amenities like shampoo or conditioner, etc. Luckily, guests can have their wishes fulfilled and the business can add a stream of revenue if the property offers their desired products for purchase. Sheets are generally the most popular item guests look for, and this blog will primarily focus on how properties can implement a gift shop program for their guests.
Purchasing a Gift with InnStyle
It is common for guests to enjoy some or many of the bed linens during their stay. InnStyle has had many customers call and ask if they can purchase certain products for guests who want them for personal use. The answer to that is an ABSOLUTE YES! InnStyle thinks it is awesome that guests enjoyed their stay so much that they want certain products for themselves to help remember the experience. There is a section on InnStyle’s website called “Gift Shop Suggestions” that highlights some of the most common products that guests are typically interested in purchasing for their own use. Two of the most popular items are the InnStyle 600 Wrinkle Free Sheets and the Spa Waffle Weave Bath Robe, but there are also many other products that people have asked about. Whether or not your property has a gift shop, it is a good idea for innkeepers and managers to stock a few of the more popular items that guests visiting your property usually ask about. Innkeepers can be creative with how they create their gift shops. For many BnB owners, there is not a whole room set aside as a gift shop. Innkeepers have gotten creative in ways of creating areas to display items for purchase. Many use cabinets, closets or tables placed in prominent common areas to showcase their products. With Innstyle’s drop ship program, large amounts of stock in not necessary.
Simple Process for Adding Revenue
As our friend and former innkeeper, Julie Rolson used to say, “Use what you sell and sell what you use.” Adding a retail program to your B&B or Inn is a great way to generate revenue without adding a ton of work to your day. When guests use the products and love them, they will sell themselves. This is a great way to add revenue to your business. Also, for vacation rentals there is an app called BnSellit which allows hosts to create a marketplace and post popular items for guests to purchase during their stay. Along with bed linens, other popular options to post include toothbrushes, sunscreen, phone chargers, etc. Their website can be found at https://bnsellit.com/. The following lists steps about how to develop a gift shop program.
- Add sign to the guest room letting customers know that the items in
the room are available for purchase. - Customer buys directly from property or fills out a form with drop ship information.
- Innkeeper contacts InnStyle with order.
- InnStyle charges property wholesale price and sends directly to customer.
- Innkeeper charges the customer their set retail price.
InnStyle is Here for You
InnStyle offers a wide range of bed linens, amenities, lodging accessories, dining linens, etc. There are select products in the gift shop section, but there are many other options available on the rest of their website that customers may be interested in purchasing for themselves. If you have questions about what products you should purchase for your gift shop or any general hospitality questions, please give InnStyle a call. InnStyle has an experienced team of account managers that would be happy to assist you and offer recommendations about products they like. InnStyle can be reached at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667. Their website is https://www.innstyle.com/.